You are here

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)

The three BCAAs(branched-chain amino acids) are L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine. They belong to the group of essential amino acids (which cannot be synthesized by the human body).

These 3 essential amino acids play a key role in muscle growth and regeneration after the training, because the activate protein synthesis. (1)

BCAAs also play an important role in maintaining the muscle mass and in optimizing the glycogen stores in the muscles. BCAAs also help to reduce muscle breakdown during training. (2) These are the only amino acids which can be converted into glucose when the body runs out of glycogen during training. When these glycogen stores are depleted, muscle breakdown starts. Supplementing with BCAAs just before, during and immediately after the training accelerates regeneration and prevents the loss of muscle mass during training.

A strategic supplementation of BCAAs (immediately before, during and after training and best combined with fast carbohydrates) allows you to: